Student arrested for having firearm

Tuesday

Apr 30, 2013 at 12:01 AM

STOCKTON - A Waverly Elementary School student carrying a firearm was arrested by San Joaquin County sheriff's deputies at the Linden Unified campus during lunchtime Monday, according to the school district.

The Record

STOCKTON - A Waverly Elementary School student carrying a firearm was arrested by San Joaquin County sheriff's deputies at the Linden Unified campus during lunchtime Monday, according to the school district.

Other than saying the student was from an "upper grade," the district did not provide details about the student. Linden Unified Superintendent Michael Gonzales did not return a phone call seeking comment.

The student's name was not released because of his age. He was booked into juvenile hall, a Sheriff's Office spokesman said.

Ron Estes, Waverly's acting principal, sent a letter to parents following the incident. In the letter, Estes wrote that when the student was discovered to be carrying the firearm, he was "confronted and gave up the weapon without incident."

"We don't know why the student had the weapon or what their intentions were," Estes' letter continued. "The student will face expulsion and will not return to school.

"I know this is shocking news. In Linden, we take pride in our safe and student-centered schools. A major part of safe schools is vigilance against crime. Today, we intercepted a potential tragedy, thanks to alert students and staff."

Waverly is a K-8 school with about 320 students. It is at 3507 Wilmarth Road east of Stockton.